What to Say When Someone Interrupts You

1“That’s a good point, but let me finish this point first.”

Use it when a colleague interrupts with a useful idea while you’re still explaining yours.

ExampleThat’s a good point, but let me finish this point first. If we bring the launch forward, we can meet the client’s date, but we won’t have enough time for the final testing.

You recognise that their idea is worth discussing and make it clear that you haven’t finished. Only say That’s a good point if you mean it. Otherwise, you can simply say, Let me finish this point first.

2“I’ll come back to that in a moment. I just want to finish this point.”

Use it when someone asks a relevant question that you can answer after your explanation.

ExampleI’ll come back to that in a moment. I just want to finish this point. The supplier can meet the new date, but only if we confirm the order today.

I’ll come back to that means you’ll return to their question. Once you’ve finished, remember to answer it.

3“Let me answer that quickly, then I’ll finish my point.”

Use it when a person needs a short explanation before they can follow the rest of what you’re saying. Answering their question first makes sense.

ExampleLet me answer that quickly, then I’ll finish my point. Yes, those figures are for the third quarter only. The main issue is that our costs are likely to increase significantly in the fourth quarter.

You answer the question and continue with your explanation. The phrase tells the other person that you still have more to say.

4“No problem. As I was saying…”

Use it when someone interrupts accidentally, notices what they’ve done, and lets you continue.

ExampleNo problem. As I was saying, we can still meet Friday’s deadline if finance approves the figures by lunchtime tomorrow.

As I was saying means you’re returning to what you were explaining before the interruption. Say it in a relaxed voice. With a sharp tone, the same words can sound annoyed.

5“I wasn’t quite finished. The main point is…”

Use it when you’ve paused and someone mistakenly thinks you’ve finished speaking.

ExampleI wasn’t quite finished. The main point is that changing the supplier now would save us money, but it could also delay the first delivery.

This is a little firmer. The main point is… helps you return directly to the information people need to hear. Quite softens the statement slightly — you’re saying that you still had something left to explain.

6“I think we’re speaking over each other. Let me finish my point, then you can come in.”

Use it on an online call when both of you are speaking at the same time.

ExampleI think we’re speaking over each other. Let me finish my point, then you can come in. I just want to explain why we need the extra two days.

Speaking over each other means you’re talking at the same time, which makes it difficult to hear either person clearly. Then you can come in means the other person can speak next — it doesn’t mean joining the call.

For a softer request, you can say: Do you mind if I finish my point?

7“Just a moment. I’d like to complete this before we move on.”

Use it when someone starts taking the discussion in another direction before you’ve finished an important point.

ExampleJust a moment. I’d like to complete this before we move on. We’ve talked about the cost, but we also need to decide who’s going to manage the client changeover.

Before we move on means before the group starts discussing something else. This sounds more formal than Let me finish this point. Use it when you need to make a clear request to continue.

8“Let me finish this first, then we can discuss that.”

Use it when someone challenges your idea before you’ve explained it fully.

ExampleLet me finish this first, then we can discuss that. I’m not saying we should reject the proposal. I’m saying we need to check the figures before we approve it.

You make it clear that you’ll discuss their objection after you’ve finished explaining your position. Keep your tone steady. This is a firm response and may sound abrupt if you say it sharply.

9“Before we move on, I do need to finish one point.”

Use it when the person leading the meeting starts introducing the next topic while you still have something important to explain.

ExampleBefore we move on, I do need to finish one point. We still haven’t agreed who’s responsible for contacting the client if the deadline changes.

I do need adds emphasis. It tells the group that this point matters. If you’re speaking to your manager or a client and want a softer version, try: Before we move on, I’d like to finish one point, if you don’t mind.

10“John, let me finish this and I’ll come straight back to you.”

Use it with the person’s name when you need to make it clear who you’re addressing, particularly if they’ve already interrupted you.

ExampleJohn, let me finish this and I’ll come straight back to you. The team has already agreed on the technical approach, but we still need to agree on the budget.

I’ll come straight back to you means you’ll give John the chance to speak as soon as you’ve finished. Use their name calmly, finish your point, and then invite them to speak.

11“I haven’t finished yet.”

Use it when someone continues talking over you after you’ve already tried to finish.

ExampleI haven’t finished yet. We can discuss the alternative in a moment, but first I need to explain why the current plan won’t work.

This is short and direct. It can sound annoyed, so keep your voice level. It’s better suited to continued interruptions than a single accidental one.

12“John, you’ve interrupted me a few times. Please let me finish.”

Use it when the same person has interrupted repeatedly and your earlier requests haven’t worked.

ExampleJohn, you’ve interrupted me a few times. Please let me finish. I need to explain the risks before we make a final decision.

You name the behaviour and ask for it to stop. This is the firmest response in the lesson. Use it for repeated interruptions. After the request, explain the point you need everyone to hear.